BABY NAMES

Curious which baby names are already stealing the show in 2020? From newcomers like Alexander to ever-popular picks like Olivia, here are the boy and girl names predicted to top the charts this year, plus more naming trends to consider.

HOLIDAY

Wow Dad this year with a homemade gift that he'll keep forever. From printable cards to cute custom magnets, these Father's Day craft ideas for toddlers, preschoolers, and big kids make perfect presents.

It’s no wonder hopscotch has stood the test of time! The playground game requires nothing more than chalk and a small object, and it can be played solitary or with multiple people. Kids can also stick with the traditional rules or make up their own fun variation. Here’s how to play hopscotch multiple different ways.

How Do You Play Hopscotch?

If your kids are new to hopscotch, teach them the classic rules. You can use the hopscotch diagram pictured below the instructions for inspiration.

1. Draw a traditional hopscotch diagram like the one below. (Chalk is best for asphalt and pavement outdoors. If you're playing inside, use masking or painter's tape.)

2. Throw a small stone, twig, beanbag, or other marker into the first square. (If it lands on a line, or outside the square, you lose your turn. Pass the marker to the following player and wait for your next turn.)

5 Fun Hopscotch Variations

Looking for new ways to play? These five fun hopscotch games make things more challenging.

Watch The Time: Set the timer for 30 seconds. Each player must complete the course within the time frame to proceed. If you go into overtime, you lose your turn.

Sign On the Line: Instead of throwing the stone in numerical order, toss it in any square. When you complete a successful turn, initial the square where your marker landed and pass it to the next player. The game ends when all spaces have been initialed. The person with the most initialed squares wins.

Kick It: Try kicking the marker from space to space—with your hopping foot—as you jump through the course.

Name Categories: Label each hopscotch square with the name of a category (books, animals, pizza toppings, desserts, etc.). When you hop into a square, you must shout an item in its designated category. If you land in pizza toppings, for example, you might say pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, sausage, peppers, or bacon. You lose your turn if you can’t think of an item in that category, or if you repeat another player’s item.

Rearrange the Squares: You don’t need to draw the traditional hopscotch course. Look up new ideas online, or brainstorm new courses yourself.